Sweet-Potato Salad

Chef Ben Barker of Magnolia Grill in Durham, North Carolina, says that even people who claim to hate sweet potatoes love this salad. Ben uses a homemade pepper relish, but you can use a commercial one. The recipe is from Not Afraid of Flavor: Recipes from Magnolia Grill, by Ben and Karen Barker (University of North Carolina Press, 2000).–Debbie Moose

Directions

Make the relish

1. Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed, and chipotles, if desired, to the vegetables. Bring to a boil and then simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

2. To can the relish, ladle it into 2 hot pint jars and fill to within 1/4 inch of the rim. Wipe the rim, seal the lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Start timing after the water bath reaches full boil.

3. Check to be sure the jars are securely sealed. The relish will keep for up to 6 months.

4. If you prefer to skip the canning, this relish can be refrigerated for up to 3 months, covered, in clean, sterile containers. This recipe can be scaled up easily but be cautious with the chipotles.

Make the potato salad

5. Cook the sweet potatoes in salted water until done but still firm. Plunge them in ice water to stop them from cooking and drain well.

6. Combine the relish, garlic, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Whisk in the olive oil, as well as salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to taste.